Deciding When to Use Your Own Router

For long, we have been provided with routers by our internet service providers (ISPs). The routers are assigned to you upon signing up for any broadband package. The routers given to you will allow you get access to the internet, and they are mostly free. The problem is though, not everyone wants to use them.

There are several reasons why you would want to have your own personal router. The one the internet service providers sent you might be a bit naff or maybe you are a tech geek and you require something more advanced for your home or your workspace. For marketing reasons, Providers don’t always recommend using something they haven’t supplied, and it has led to some people doubting other routers out there. It is a bit complicated, yes, but doing it will solve some of your problems if you know exactly how to go about it.

Using your own router.

Using a router provided by your ISP can result in you having a better tech experience. What then are the situations that will make you decide to use your own router?

Better tech experience: The internet service providers do give routers upon registering for a broadband package but this isn’t up to some people’s standard. For most techies, they require routers that are more sophisticated and offer functions beyond the basics of what normal routers can offer. Speed is one of the deciding factors that can make you go for your own router instead of using the one provided by your ISP.

It doesn’t match your hardware requirement: This is another reason why you might want to go for your own router. There are different devices in the market and each of them having different hardware specifications. If you know the hardware specifications of your device, then purchasing a router that will work with it perfectly should be a priority for you. The router that your internet service provider will give to you might not necessarily be compatible with your device. You can, however, call them and find out if they have specific hardware requirements for their routers

You no longer want to rent: The routers are part of the equipment fee that internet service providers charge. If you no longer want to pay this rent monthly, you can simply decide to purchase your own.

Pros of using your own router.

What are the benefits attached to using your own router rather than the one provided by your internet service provider?

You can get an upgraded hardware. Purchasing your own router will allow you to get one that has better hardware or more suitable for your home. ISP s might provide a good one for you but you know the perfect one for your home or workspace.

Familiarity is a strong suit even in tech. by purchasing your own router, you are getting one that you are used to or one that you have adequate knowledge of. This makes maintenance and other connections issues very easy to solve.

When you have a highly specialized home network, getting your own router will make it easier to incorporate. This will be harder to do if the router is provided by the internet service provider.

You can even decide to set up multiple routers in your home. The multiple routers can be placed at strategic locations in your house. This is very important if you live in a big house and you hate the network to be crowded.

You will have absolute control over your home network. The control will be very hard if you are using a router provided by your ISP.

Cons of using your own router.

As much as it is excellent to have your own router, there are few disadvantages to it.

Extra cost: you will have to do away with the old one and purchase a new one. This is an added expense on your part and they don’t come cheap.

You are entitled to less customer support if you use your own router, your ISP wouldn’t feel obliged to render you support since you no longer use their router.

Setting it up is hard. Unless you are a tech guru, setting up your own router is tedious.

You might buy a router that is not compatible with your broadband connection. When this happens, it will be very hard to connect or you will face several challenges while you are at it. This problem is compounded when you have signed up for a voice over IP service, it will be very hard to get that while using your router.

Conclusion.

It is very clear that having your own router is a great idea if you have certain needs and specifications to take care of. The problems associated with having your router can be avoided with proper research. Know exactly what you are looking for and how it will fit with your broadband connection before purchasing it.